The government of India has issued a warning about fake websites and apps that claim to offer passport services. Please note that this advisory is not new. It flashes right when you open the passport website, www.passportindia.gov.in. What makes it important is that several passport applicants still keep on falling for these fraud websites and apps. These websites and apps claim to offer services including filling of online application forms, scheduling appointments and more. “It has come to the notice of the Ministry that many fraudulent websites and mobile applications are collecting data from applicants and also levying additional hefty charges for filling up the online application form and scheduling appointments for Passport and related services. It is therefore advised to all citizens applying for Indian Passport and related services that they should NOT visit the above-mentioned fraudulent websites or make payment related to passport services,” says the government in the cautionary note on the website. Also, similarly there is no app or separate website to track your passport application status.
The official website and only website for applying passport — www.passportindia.gov.in
The designated online platform for availing passport services under the jurisdiction of the Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs can be accessed at www.passportindia.gov.in. The ministry explicitly states on its website that this is the sole authorized portal catering to all passport-related needs for applicants across India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) holds the responsibility of issuing passports to Indian citizens through a comprehensive network comprising 36 passport offices within the country and 190 Indian missions and posts located abroad.
Fake website: www.indiapassport.org
This website when opened shows “Account Suspended. But there are chances that it may have resurfaced with other similar domains.
Fake website: www.online-passportindia.com
This is another website that the government has cautioned citizens about. Upon visiting, the site presents multiple online application choices, including a voter card option. However, it is a fraudulent website with the intent to illicitly obtain sensitive information from individuals applying for passports.
Fake website: www.passportindiaportal.in
This is another fake website that the government warns passport applicants of. On the home page it claims to offer these services: “Apply for Passport” and “Passport application form”.
Fake website: www.passport-india.in
The Indian passport authority has issued a cautionary advisory regarding this particular website. It is imperative for passport applicants to steadfastly avoid any interaction with this website.
Fake website: www.passport-seva.in
This website with ‘passport-seva.in’ as url too tries to dupe passport applicants. With ‘.in’ domain it masquerades as the government of India’s passport website.
Fake website: www.applypassport.org
The second ‘.org’ website in the list, www.applypassport.org is another fake passport website that the Indian government has warned passport applicants about.
Source By: gadgetsnow
